Uma etnografia sobre crianças refugiadas no Maranhão

Abstract

This research aimed create a refugee children ethnography, in the state of Maranhão, with emphasis on the cities of Imperatriz, Açailândia and São Luís, making use of the observation of the experiences of refugee families from Venezuela. During the field research, it was possible to notice several practices performed by the refugee families - among them, the production of handcrafts and food, the networks and kinship woven between the groups, among other activities - and how the children integrated such activities. In addition, we problematize the category “refugee”, as it carries an imposition, not a condition to be chosen. The research has movement as its main characteristic, considering that the displacements of the researched subjects were essential to guide the paths of the research and results. The results pointed, above all, to the condition of the Venezuelan child in a process of double migration, as they migrated not only from the country but also from the rural environment to the urban space. The research reveals how much the theme of refuge from the childhood perspective is little discussed in Brazil. Based on the ethnographic method, we describe the neighborhoods where Venezuelan refugee children and their families live. The results point to the double migration impact on the childhood experiences of Venezuelan children in Maranhão.